by Kelly J. Larson

Sugar Cookie bars with sprinkles are buttery, soft and party-ready with tinted cream cheese frosting topped with colorful sprinkles. Ideal for making in advance, these sugar cookie bars are the perfect cross between cupcakes and roll-out sugar cookies. Bake ahead a few days before your event, then store them in the refrigerator before serving.

Sugar Cookie Bars

Prepare the cookie bars first, then make the frosting while they are baking.

Cookie Bars

• 1-1/2 cups butter, softened to room temperature
• 2 cups sugar
• 1-1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 4 eggs
• 5 cups flour

Spray a rectangular nonstick baking pan (12 inches by 17 inches) with nonstick cooking spray. Press cookie dough to cover entire bottom surface of the pan. Bake approximately 20 minutes. Remove from oven, then allow to cool. Prepare the frosting, then spread evenly over cookie bars. Add sprinkles, if desired. Refrigerate overnight. Cut into bars.

Sometimes I trim a small border to attempt uniformity with each slice — and to make snack bites!

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1/2 cup butter, softened to room temperature
• pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• food coloring (optional)
• 1/4 cup sprinkles (optional)